High levels of cholesterol can cause serious problems to the heart. Excess cholesterol in the blood can build up on the walls of arteries, eventually causing blockages and heart disease. Many factors can cause cholesterol to rise. Some can be controlled by the individual, while others are beyond our control.
Diet
Though many people focus on the high cholesterol content of foods such as meat, dairy and eggs, it may be saturated fat that affects cholesterol levels the most. Saturated fats raise your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) count.
Weight
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, being overweight can both increase your bad (LDL) cholesterol and decrease your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. This combination will increase your overall cholesterol levels and make you more vulnerable to heart disease.
Age
As your age increases, so does the likelihood of rising cholesterol. For women, increases in cholesterol tend to come after menopause, while men may start noticing the rise 10 to 15 years before women of the same age and health.
Physical Activity
Skipping physical activity and exercise can cause LDL-type cholesterol to rise. Adding exercise to your daily routine can reduce the bad cholesterol and overall risk for heart problems.
Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, a study has shown a correlation between stress levels and cholesterol increases. The study suggests that prolonged stress can impact cholesterol levels, even several years down the road.
Genetics
One of the most significant, and uncontrollable, conditions that causes cholesterol to rise is heredity. If your immediate family has issues with high cholesterol and heart disease, your odds of having the same issues are significantly increased.
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